Rear view: Photos of sporting moments that made 2017 special - Part 1

Last updated on: December 27, 2017 11:43 IST

2017 has been nothing short of exciting. From the resurgence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, on court, to the wedding of Serena Williams and the birth of her child, to the Steve Smith 'brain fade' moment, we've seen it all, and some more.

We also saw two athletes -- Usain Bolt and marathon man Mo Farah draw down the curtains on their respective, illustrious careers.

As the countdown to 2018 starts, it's time to rewind those moments in sport that stood out this year.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama greets Australia cricket captain Steve Smith in Dharamsala on March 24.Steve Smith and his Australian teammates, sought the blessings of Tibetan spiritual guru, The Dalai Lama, at his McLeod Ganj monastery in Dharamsala before their Test series earlier this year. Coin, Australia lost the deciding 4th and final Test, and with that the Border-Gavaskar series 2-1 in Dharamsala on March 28. Photograph: PTI

A streaker is chased by a steward after invading the track during the World Athletics Championships in London on August 5. The streaker, who had ‘Peace+Love’ written on his chest, ran across track in the same race that was Usain Bolt’s final, the 100m. Bolt finished that race in 3rd spot behind Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

TUMBLE TO THE FINISH

South Africa’s Ntando Mahlangu falls during a heat of the men's 100 metre T42 during the IAAF World ParaAthletics Championships in London on July 17.Photograph: Henry Browne/Action Images via Reuters

THE SCORPION KICK

Olivier Giroud scores the opening goal for Arsenal against Crystal Palace on Jan 2, 2017. This spectacular goal from the Arsenal forward was nominated for FIFA Goal of the Year, the Puskas awardPhotograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

FLYING FRENCHMAN

Atletico Madrid’s French forward Antoine Griezmann volleys to score his team's opening goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match against AS Roma at Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on November 22, 2017. Griezmann's spectacular scissors-kick helped was his first in nine games as Atletico Madrid earned a 2-0 win over Roma and keep alive their slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16. After scoring in 69th minute he then set up teammate Kevin Gameiro for the second in the closing stages to silence his critics.Photograph: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

ALL THAT GLITTERS...

France's Richard Gasquet and Kristina Mladenovic hold the Hopman Trophy after defeating United States' Coco Vandeweghe and Jack Sock in the mixed doubles final of the 2017 Hopman Cup at Perth Arena in Perth on Saturday, January 7. France's only previous success in the mixed team event came in 2014.Photograph: Will Russell/Getty Images

BRAZILIAN ACROBATS

Watford's Richarlison de Andrade takes a tumble as he is tackled by Chelsea's David Luiz, as they vie for possession during their English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London on Saturday, October 21. Chelsea, who were struggling at this time in the season, recorded their first win in four games in all competitions, earning a coneback 4-2 win. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

TAKING AIM

Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka serves during his men's singles fourth round match against Italy's Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne on Sunday, January 22. Wawrinka won this game to move into the quarters, where he defeated 7-6, 6-4, 6-3. He eventually lost to compatriot Roger Federer in the semis of the first grand slam of the year.Photograph: Issei Kato/Reuters

LEGGY LADS

Manchester United’s Chris Smalling holds off Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling during their English Premier League derby match at Old Trafford on Sunday, December 10. City stretched their lead to 11 points, having won the match 2-1. With this victory they became the first team to win 14 successive matches in the Premier League in a single season. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images